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Showing 1 of 14 conversations about:
ecoleman
766
Jun 15, 2017
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This looks dope, thoughts on the blade steel? Kind of a knife metallurgy noob here.
Jun 15, 2017
ZcityUp
603
Jun 15, 2017
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ecolemanIt's an easy-to-sharpen carbon steel that's pretty popular. Holds an edge well through a lot of adversity
Jun 15, 2017
Maxeytheman
53
Jun 15, 2017
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ecolemanShould also mention it has mediocre corrosion resistance but withstands shock extremely well.
Jun 15, 2017
MDDoge
296
Jun 15, 2017
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ecoleman1095 is a simple 0.95%-1.15% carbon steel. 1095CV is a low alloy variant of 1095, technically designated 170-06. It's basically 1095 with small amounts of alloying elements, with two of them chromium and vanadium lending the name. The alloy content is supposed to slightly bolster wear resistance and some cutting performance (depending on the task) over 1095. At sub 1% chromium 1095CV will rust like any other carbon steel, though the coating on this knife should alleviate that (watch the exposed edge though). Though I haven't personally tested 1095CV against vanilla 1095, the only difference I'd expect is slightly longer working edge retention (a working edge is stable longer than a sharper edge but cuts poorer) with a slightly toothier edge from the small number of vanadium carbides that form, possibly at an (also slight) increase in sharpening difficultly. 1095CV is also similar to O1 in composition, as another reference steel. If you've used 1070 or 1084, expect an upgrade in edge retention.
Unfortunately, heat treat and edge geometry play significant roles in a knife's performance, capable of making or breaking a knife regardless of the steel used. I'm not sure about Ka-Bar's 1095CV heat treat but I doubt it's poor enough to make a knife junk. If anything they probably run it in the low end of the steel's optimal hardness range, reducing the chance of edge instability, though also resulting in a softer edge.
Sorry about my rampant speculation. I have one Ka-Bar knife in 1095CV, but I've barely used it in favor of my more purpose built camp knives (through no fault of the Ka-Bar.) In summary, if it's anything like regular 1095 and has a decent heat treat, it'll be tough and easy to sharpen, have ok edge retention (bring a steel or stone with you on an extended trip), and rust on exposed metal if you don't wipe it down/dry it after use. Pretty standard fare for a camp knife.
Jun 15, 2017
JonasHeineman
5987
Jun 15, 2017
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MaxeythemanYeah I think that's a fair statement...https://youtu.be/Fj3KDIVZ2qs?t=2m40s
Jun 15, 2017
bedp
85
Jun 15, 2017
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JonasHeinemanWow, I don't think I've ever seen someone do that freehand without a vise. Impressive shooting.
Jun 15, 2017
Axeguy
1372
May 21, 2018
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bedpTougher for the guy holding the knife...
May 21, 2018
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